The UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a report advising the government on potential changes to the minimum income requirement (MIR) for family visas. The report suggests that the previously proposed plan to raise the MIR to £38,700—originally intended to match the skilled worker route—should be scrapped.

Key Points from the Report:

• The current minimum income requirement is £29,000 (as of April 2024).
• The committee recommends a revised threshold between £23,000 and £25,000, which could allow families to support themselves without exceeding the national minimum wage.
• A threshold of £24,000, for instance, could increase future net migration by 1–3%.
• The MAC explicitly advises against aligning the family visa MIR with the skilled worker salary threshold, citing legal and ethical concerns, particularly under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to private and family life).
• The committee does not support regional variations in the threshold and advises against increases for families with children due to the disproportionate impact on child welfare.
• The report calls for improved data collection from the Home Office to better inform policy decisions in the future.

While campaigners welcomed some of the recommendations, many expressed disappointment that the MAC did not advocate for the complete abolition of the minimum income requirement. Advocacy groups argue that even a modest threshold continues to divide families unnecessarily.

The Home Office has acknowledged receipt of the report and is currently reviewing its findings. A formal response is expected in due course. Feel free to book a 30-minutes consultation today with Sincere Immigration lawyer if you have any questions.